Public Distribution System (PDS) is an effective instrument to ensure equitable distribution of essential commodities to consumers, especially those from the weaker sections of the society, and to provide them with food security. However, the system faces several challenges in ensuring not only that all bona fide beneficiaries receive their entitlements but also that only the bona fide beneficiaries receive those. There are challenges of leakages due to corrupt practices at multiple points in the system. This case study on PDS Odisha shows how a state with a significant size of poor population and the legacy of a poorly managed PDS is now getting in the league of frontrunners by bringing about a physical transformation for enabling a digital leap.

In order to digitalize the PDS, the government of Odisha partnered with World Food Programme (WFP) and undertaken the program Odisha Modernizing Economy, Governance and Administration (OMEGA), in partnership with the Department for International Development (DFID), Government of the UK, to promote sustainable development and eliminate global poverty. IPE Global, a management consulting firm has been engaged with DFID and WFP to provide technical assistance and support to the government of Odisha for implementing reform initiatives under OMEGA. The Project Management Unit (PMU) constituted with WFP’s support has been managing the progress with a strong implementation strategy.